CHARLESTON, W.VA. (1/2/23) – The West Virginia Symphony Orchestra (WVSO) continues its 2022-23 season and Music Director search Jan. 21 and Jan. 22 with Symphonic Dances at the Clay Center in Charleston and Blennerhassett School in Parkersburg.

On Saturday, January 21 at 7:30 p.m. at the Clay Center in Charleston, guest conductor and candidate for the WVSO’s next Music Director, Fouad Fakhouri will lead the WVSO through a program featuring music from Wei, Rachmaninoff, and a piece composed by Fakhouri himself.

"This summer my wife, daughter and I visited Charleston and spent a wonderful weekend there. During our stay we met great people, fell in love with the city, and felt right at home,” said Music Director candidate Fouad Fakhouri. “My daughter absolutely loved Ellen’s Ice Cream, and we enjoyed a great dinner with terrific company at Laury’s. I can’t wait to get back in January, meet with the musicians of the orchestra, further explore Charleston and engage with more members of the community.”

Additionally, the orchestra will welcome to the stage Astral Artist and harpist Rachel Lee O’Brien for a performance of Ginastera’s Harp Concerto. O’Brien was a first Prize winner of the 2019 Ima Hogg Competition, won the 2013 Lyon & Healy Award, and has received prizes from the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra’s Anne Jett Rogers Award, Saratoga Harp Colony “Play with the Pros” Competition, Roanoke Youth Symphony Orchestra Young Artist’s Awards, and the James Bland Music Contest of the Lions Club.

The Elliot Foundation Symphonic Series concert is made possible by the generous support of AC&S Incorporated, Keith and the late Jim Straw, and the Chilton family in memory of Jim Straw. Concert tickets start at $13 and are available at wvsymphony.org or by calling 304.561.3570.

The WVSO will also perform Symphonic Dances at Blennerhassett School in Parkersburg beginning at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, January 22. Hosted by the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra of Parkersburg, tickets for the concert are starting at $25 for adults or $10 for students and are available at wvsop.org, at the door, or by calling 888.699.8767 (MYWVSOP).

As part of the Music Director candidate’s week, the community will have several chances to meet and chat with Fakhouri, including an event at Bridge Road Bistro on Monday, Jan. 16 from 4 – 6 p.m. and open rehearsals occurring on Thursday, Jan. 19, Friday, Jan. 20, and Saturday, Jan. 21. The WVSO will also host Batons, Bites, and Insights, a lunchtime lecture with Fakhouri on the Clay Center Stage on Thursday, Jan. 19 from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Attendees should enter through Walker Theater and are encouraged to bring a bag lunch to enjoy throughout the talk.

The West Virginia Symphony Orchestra is West Virginia’s premier performing arts organization, presenting classical and pops concerts annually throughout the Mountain State. Currently in its 84th season, the WVSO is a proud member of the community and enriches the region by providing affordable, high-quality concerts, collaborations with West Virginia arts organizations and a nationally award-winning education program.

FOUAD FAKHOURI – SCHEDULE OF THE WEEK FOR MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES
January 16-21

Subject to change. Please visit wvsymphony.org for updates

Monday, January 16

4 – 6 p.m. | Community Event at Bridge Road Bistro – Music Director candidate Fouad Fakhouri will meet and greet community members at 915 Bridge Rd, Charleston, WV 25314. This event is open to the public.

8 – 8:30 p.m. | West Virginia Symphony Chorus Rehearsal visit – Christ Church United Methodist

Wednesday, January 18

7:30 – 8:30 a.m. | Vandalia Rotary Presentation, Edgewood Country Club, Charleston

Thursday, January 19

11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Baton, Bites, and Insights – Clay Center stage (bring-your-lunch lecture, free & open to the public)

3 – 4 p.m. | Edgewood Summit Presentation, Edgewood Summit, Charleston

5:30 – 6:30 p.m. | Open House, Green Room, Clay Center

7 – 9:30 p.m. | WVSO Open Rehearsal – Clay Center

Friday, January 20

4 – 6:30 p.m.   | WVSO Open Rehearsal – Clay Center

8 – 10:30 p.m. | WVSO Open Rehearsal – Clay Center

Saturday, January 21

10:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. | WVSO Open Rehearsal – Clay Center

6:30 – 7 p.m. | Pre-Concert Talk – Clay Center stage

7:30 – 10 p.m. | Symphonic Dances Concert – Clay Center

Sunday, January 22

1:30 – 2 p.m. | Pre-Concert Talk – Blennerhassett School stage

2:30 – 4 p.m. | Symphonic Dances Concert – Blennerhassett School